Ian Melin-Jones

Xerium Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: XRM), a leading manufacturer and supplier of machine clothing and roll covers for the paper and packaging industry, has just announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a review of strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value. Alternatives could include a sale of the Company or of its divisions and selected assets in separate transactions, a strategic merger, a Reverse Morris Trust transaction, or other business combination. The Company has engaged TN Capital Advisors LLC (“True North”) as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP as legal advisor to assist in the process.

James Wilson, Chairman of the Board, said, “Our markets are stable and our execution is strong and getting stronger. With an expected EBITDA to capital expenditure ratio of roughly 7 times, Xerium is on a path to increase shareholder value through debt reduction. However, the Company currently carries expensive debt that could be refinanced on more attractive terms by a buyer, and suffers from poor stock trading liquidity. After careful consideration, the Board has determined that there may be opportunities to accelerate value recognition or unlock additional value through strategic actions, and this is an appropriate time to identify and evaluate options for shareholders.”

Mark Staton, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Our people have done a great job of completing this complex asset restructuring. We are now a company with high quality assets in regions around the world poised for growth, with 75% of our product sales in markets for growing grades of paper and packaging.”

There can be no assurance that the Board’s strategic review will result in any transaction, or any assurance as to its outcome or timing.

The Company does not intend to disclose or comment on developments related to its review unless and until the Board has approved a specific transaction or otherwise determined that further disclosure is appropriate.

About Xerium Technologies

Xerium Technologies (NYSE:XRM) is a global leader in the design, engineering, manufacture and installation of machine clothing and roll covers for the world’s leading producers of paper and packaging. For more information about Xerium visit our website at www.xerium.com

Mercer International Inc. announces that it has received the decision of the tribunal in respect of its previously announced claim against the Government of Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA").

In a split decision, a majority of the tribunal ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to decide certain of the Company's claims under NAFTA and, with respect to the Company's other NAFTA claims, that they were highly complex and technical and that it would be inappropriate for the tribunal to re-determine matters calling for specialist judgment and, as a result, there was no violation of NAFTA. As is customary in these matters, the tribunal awarded costs to Canada of approximately $6.9 million.

Mercer had initiated its NAFTA claim against the Government of Canada in January 2012. The claim related to the Company's investment in the Celgar mill and arose from the treatment of the mill's energy generation assets and operations by the Province of British Columbia, primarily through the actions of B.C. Hydro and Power Authority, a provincially owned and controlled enterprise, and the British Columbia Utilities Commission, a provincial government regulatory agency. The basis of the claim was that the Celgar mill had received unfair and discriminatory treatment regarding its ability to purchase and sell energy compared to other pulp mills and entities that generate and sell electricity within the Province of British Columbia.

David Gandossi, President and CEO of Mercer, commented: "While we are disappointed in the outcome, we believe that it was important for the Company to bring this claim in order to seek the fair treatment of its investments in Canada. We thank the members of the tribunal for their time and effort in adjudicating this matter."

Mercer International Inc. is a global forest products company with operations in Germany and Canada with consolidated annual production capacity of 1.5 million tonnes of NBSK pulp and 550 million board feet of lumber. To obtain further information on the company, please visit its web site at http://www.mercerint.com

A smart plug-and-play flowmeter that measures and monitors flow and temperature of conductive liquids.

Endress+Hauser announces the Picomag electromagnetic flowmeter, an in-line transmitter for measuring temperature and flow of conductive liquids in pipe sizes ranging from ½” to 2”, such as drinking and industrial water. It measures flow up to 198 gal/minute with ±0.5% full scale accuracy and ±0.2% repeatability, and temperatures from 14 to 158°F (-10 to 70°C) with ±4.5°F accuracy.

The Picomag combines a sensor and transmitter in the same housing, with a 1.4-inch TFT color display showing flow, totalizer and temperature readings, as well as warning and alarm messages.

Outputs include 4-20mA, pulse, switch and 2-10V. IO-Link connectivity provides flexible integration into automation systems. The Bluetooth wireless interface allows direct access to process and diagnostics data, and enables the user to configure the measuring device on the fly. The device can be operated and configured on Android and iOS devices via the free SmartBlue App.

The IO-Link interface allows installation into fieldbus and other existing infrastructures. The IO-Link Master allows data access from the control room, and automatically transfers configuration parameters after a device replacement.

The flowmeter is ideal for use on process skids, where space is often limited, or in difficult to reach locations. Picomag can be installed into any pipe up to 2-in. (50 mm) diameter, even in confined spaces. Various process connection adapters are available, including NPT-thread, R-thread, internal thread, Tri-Clamp or Victaulic, and it is available in models that accept ½-, ¾-, 1- or 2-inch process connections.

The stainless steel Picomag flowmeter has high shock and vibration resistance, IP65/67 protection and a PEEK measuring tube. It fulfills EMC requirements according to IEC/EN 61326. It also conforms to the requirements of the EU and ACMA directives, and has a cULus listing.

Valmet has successfully delivered and started up a rebuild of Alas Doradas' PM4 tissue machine, close to San Salvador, El Salvador. The rebuild delivered top results right from the start. Targets were reached and surpassed already in the first week after the startup which was on January 23, 2018.

The main target of the project was to increase the production capacity and save energy. Now, with all facts on hand, the joint efforts to reach top results have really been fulfilled.

"We are very satisfied with the results of the rebuild project. The combination of Advantage ViscoNip and ReDry have exceeded our highest expectations. The results show capacity increase by 20% and drying energy savings of 20-25%," says Carlos Jerez, Engineering Director at Alas Doradas. "In addition, we have also seen significant quality improvements with bulk increase," Carlos continues.

A happy startup team with members from Valmet and Alas Doradas in front of the first jumbo roll on January 23.

The key to success comes from the synergy effect gained when combining two of Valmet's foremost innovations. In this case, the energy saving Advantage ViscoNip press, which has a unique ability to adapt to the Yankee dryer shell, is boosted by the Advantage ReDry web heater. The Advantage ReDry further enhances dryness by utilizing exhaust air and humidity from the hood, to heat the web and thereby increase post pressure consistency.

"We are proud that Alas Doradas has selected our well proven Advantage technologies which have been truly spot-on for this upgrade," says Kent Nika and Sergio Vargas, Sales managers at Valmet.

"We are also honored to have been given the confidence to provide guidance and support throughout this important expansion and performance improvement that Alas Doradas is going through."

Close cooperation and mutual responsiveness have also been factors in the success of the project.

"The cooperation between Valmet's and Alas Doradas' teams has been very successful," says Valmet's project manager Pyry Hämäläinen. "Our confidence in one another, which was strong to begin with, has been reinforced on this joint quest to move from good to great. I have a feeling that this is just the beginning of a long-term partnership."

Technical information about the delivery

Valmet's delivery for the machine rebuild includes a replacement of the current suction press roll with an Advantage ViscoNip press and Advantage ReDry web heater for increased production capacity and decreased energy consumption. The rebuild also includes mist removal system, supervision, training, start-up and commissioning. It also features integration of the new equipment with the current automation systems.

Information about the customer Alas Doradas

Alas Doradas is one of three main tissue paper manufacturers in Central America. Alas Doradas is renowned for its "green practices", using 100% recycled paper as raw material. The company operates in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama, generating more than 38,000 tons of paper products annually, the main ones being toilet paper, paper towels and napkins.

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.

Valmet's net sales in 2017 were approximately EUR 3.2 billion. Our more than 12,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.

Valmet will supply two more containerboard production lines with related automation systems for Nine Dragons Industries Co., Ltd., China. The orders for the four previous machines were published in 2017 (PM 39 and PM 40, PM 41 and PM 42). The latest two production lines will be located in Dongguan (PM 43) and Quanzhou (PM 45) and are similar to the previous four containerboard production lines.

The two new containerboard production lines will be designed to produce high-quality testliner grades out of 100 percent recycled raw materials as the four production lines ordered last year. The start-ups of PM 43 and PM 45 are scheduled to take place within a few months' timeframe in 2019. The start-ups of the four previous production lines are scheduled to take place a few months apart from each other starting from mid-2018.

The order of PM 45 is included in Valmet's first quarter 2018 orders received and the order of PM 43 was included in Valmet's third quarter of 2017 orders received. The value of the orders will not be disclosed. The value of an order of this type and scale is typically around EUR 90-110 million.

"Nine Dragons is committed to produce high quality containerboard products. We can deliver this promise with Valmet's technically advanced board machines. Advanced technology and the modern and distinctive industrial design were certainly important factors in these decisions. I'm pleased that Nine Dragons has had such a good cooperation with Valmet in the negotiations of these six machines and all the previous projects," says Mr.MC Liu, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nine Dragons.

Valmet's modern and distinctive industrial design is valued by paper and board producers

"Nine Dragons' decision to purchase six-in-a-row energy and resource efficient containerboard machines is quite exceptional. The company values our innovative, modernly designed and sustainable board making technology. We are pleased to continue the good cooperation with Nine Dragons," says Jari Vähäpesola, President of Paper Business Line, Valmet.

The containerboard machines will include OptiSizer Combi sizers combining both film and pond application for both sides. Film application is an optimal solution for lower basis weight grades. Pond application is for substantially higher basis weight grades needing higher penetration. This combination gives flexibility and opportunities to optimize the properties of different grades.

As in the previous orders, the full scope automation packages include Valmet DNA process and machine controls and condition monitoring. Board final quality is managed with Valmet IQ quality control system, comprehensive range of profilers as well as web inspection and monitoring system. The deliveries comprise also modern analyzers from pulping and wet end to laboratory testing.

Founded in 1995, Nine Dragons Paper Group is the world's largest in recovered paper based paper manufacturing in terms of production capacity. The company and its subsidiaries produce linerboard, high performance corrugating medium and coated duplex board. The group's paper machines in China are located in a number of locations. The group produces printing and writing paper in Dongguan and Taicang and packaging paperboard and specialty paper in Leshan, Sichuan Province. The group has also acquired 100% control equity interest in Hebei Yongxin Paper Co., Ltd.

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.

Valmet's net sales in 2017 were approximately EUR 3.2 billion. Our more than 12,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.

Emerson has introduced the Rosemount 8712EM Wall Mount Magnetic Flow Meter Transmitter with additional protocols, powerful diagnostic capabilities and usability features to help users in the pulp and paper, metals and mining, and other industries gain quick and easy insight into their processes.

Rosemount 8712EM Wall Mount Magnetic Flow Meter Transmitter.The meter’s local operator interface was designed using Human Centered Design concepts, making it easier and faster for technicians to navigate in the field. According to Scott Dudek, product manager for Rosemount magnetic flow meters, “The Rosemount 8712EM melds usability pioneered by Emerson’s Human Centered Design Group with the quality, capabilities, and reliability that customers have come to trust from Emerson.”

The Rosemount 8712EM’s diagnostic suite includes high process noise detection and ground fault detection. The electrode coating diagnostic offers two set points to alert when coating is present and when it is affecting flow measurement, enabling preventative maintenance. Smart Meter Verification continuously monitors the health and performance of the meter for ultimate measurement confidence.

Universal transmitter capability allows the 8712EM to operate with any existing magnetic flow meter sensor and allows backwards compatibility with all Rosemount magnetic sensors. This feature not only makes the transmitter easier to integrate with older units, but it also enables the use of the 8712EM’s advanced diagnostic features.

The Rosemount 8712EM supports HART 7 for 32-character-long tag capability for reduced start-up time, as well as options for intrinsically safe HART outputs and Modbus RS-485.

Metsä Board, the leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards, is pleased to announce that its revolutionary paperboard cup design, ‘Lidloc’, has won an iF Design Award at a prestigious awards ceremony held at the BMW Welt in Munich on 9 March.

The Lidloc design has broken new ground in paperboard cup design and recognises the increased focus upon developing sustainable packaging. The design has a patent pending and is based upon an extension to a standard cup structure that folds and locks into an integrated lid.

Cyril Drouet, Metsä Board’s Design & Innovation Director has worked closely on this exciting project with his design team. He explains the benefits of this innovative design: “We have designed this to be a one-piece construction that removes the need for a separate plastic lid. It is easy to fold and assemble with a secure lid-locking design. The integrated lid is spill proof and offers extra branding power as it can be printed as one piece with the rest of the cup. The lid also contains an integrated ‘sip’ mechanism for hot beverages as well as being ideal for cold drinks with a straw.”

Lidloc is an example of how Metsä Board develops lighter, more environmentally friendly and more efficient packaging and helps to use the potential of lightweight fresh fibre paperboards in an innovative way.

For over 60 years, the iF Design Award has been recognised the world over as a label for design excellence. The international high-profile jury assessed more than 6,400 entries from 54 countries to determine who would receive this coveted seal of design excellence.

Metsä Board is a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards including folding boxboards, food service boards and white kraftliners. Our lightweight paperboards are developed to provide better, safer and more sustainable solutions for consumer goods as well as retail-ready and food service applications. We work together with our customers on a global scale to innovate solutions for better consumer experiences with less environmental impact. The pure fresh fibres Metsä Board uses are a renewable resource, traceable to origin in sustainably managed northern forests.

The global sales network of Metsä Board supports customers worldwide, including brand owners, retailers, converters and merchants. In 2017, the company’s sales totalled EUR 1.8 billion, and it has approximately 2,350 employees. Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.

Metsä Group’s sales totalled EUR 5.0 billion in 2017, and it employs approximately 9,100 people. The Group operates in nearly 30 countries. Metsäliitto Cooperative is the parent company of Metsä Group and owned by approximately 104,000 Finnish forest owners.

Energy savings and high product quality in Metsä Board Kyro: goals achieved with Energy Recovery System and GemDryer® Infrared drying system

Metsä Board Kyro produces coated folding boxboard for packaging. It was decided to replace the existing gas infrared equipment on board machine n°1 with the goals of higher reliability, higher efficiency and significant energy savings. The start-up took place in September 2017.

Metsä Board and Bekaert Solaronics share a long history of partnership and Metsä Board counted on the experience of Bekaert Solaronics in the upgrade and optimization of non-contact drying systems.

Bekaert Solaronics supplied a 4-row GemDryer® infrared drying system equipped with Gem9E emitters. The exhaust air from the GemDryer® is used as make-up air for the existing air-dryer via the ERS link. This reduces the gas consumption of the air dryers and thereby the energy efficiency of the total drying is significantly improved as well.

Significant energy savings and optimal product quality

Energy savings guarantees of 300 kW have been achieved while keeping the good drying strategy from quality point of view. The combination of the new Bekaert Solaronics Gem9E emitters and the ERS energy link implemented after the coating station increases the efficiency while keeping the same drying capacity. As a result, the cost of drying is decreased by 30% for the coating station compared to the situation before the rebuild.

The solutions meets also the customer needs in terms of flexibility, reliability and ease of maintenance. According to Petri Huiko, Production Manager in Kyro mill, all the goals have been fulfilled: “we are very satisfied by the performance of the Bekaert Solaronics solution”.

About Metsä BoardMetsä Board is a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards including folding boxboards, food service boards and white kraftliners. Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, has approximately 2,350 employees and totals €1.8 billion of combined sales. Metsä Board Kyro mill produces high-quality fully coated folding boxboard for packaging and graphic applications.

About Bekaert and Bekaert SolaronicsBekaert is a world market and technology leader in steel wire transformation and coating technologies. We pursue to be the preferred supplier for our steel wire products and solutions by continuously delivering superior value to our customers worldwide. Bekaert (Euronext Brussels: BEKB) is a global company with almost 30 000 employees worldwide, headquarters in Belgium and €4.4 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1967, Bekaert Solaronics supplies customized drying and heating systems based on gas and electrical infrared technology to a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1 000 systems have been installed worldwide. The company also provides maintenance services and is available to assist on upgrades or improved energy efficiency of existing systems.

Effective March 7, 2018, Solenis International, L.P. (“Solenis”) completed the acquisition of 100 percent of the shares of Topchim NV (“Topchim”). Headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, Topchim is a leading ecological coating company for the paper, cardboard, and packaging converting industries in Europe. Solenis will integrate the Topchim business as part of its strategy to expand its offering to the pulp and paper market.

“The purchase of Topchim represents Solenis’ commitment to new and innovative technologies,” stated John Panichella, Solenis president and CEO. “The acquisition will enable Solenis to serve the growing barrier coatings market while maintaining our commitment to environmental sustainability.”

“Through the development of proprietary technologies based on bio-renewable materials, Topchim has created a distinct competitive advantage in the barrier coatings market,” said Ludwig Krapsch, vice president, Solenis Pulp and Paper EMEA.

About SolenisSolenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals for water intensive industries, including the pulp, paper, oil and gas, chemical processing, mining, biorefining, power and municipal markets. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of process, functional and water treatment chemistries as well as state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets and minimize environmental impact. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 34 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of approximately 3,700 professionals in 118 countries across five continents. For additional information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com

Gardner Denver Holdings Inc. (NYSE: GDI), a leading global provider of mission-critical flow control and compression equipment, announced that it has acquired Runtech Systems Oy for a net purchase price of approximately $93 million funded by cash on hand. Based in Kolho, Finland, Runtech is a leading global manufacturer of turbo vacuum technology systems and optimization solutions for use in a variety of process-oriented industrial end markets. Runtech will be part of Gardner Denver’s Industrials Segment.

“Runtech is a market-leader with a history of innovation, excellent customer relationships and strong talent with deep market expertise,” said Vicente Reynal, Gardner Denver’s CEO. “This transaction is aligned with our strategy of leveraging core, mission-critical technologies to drive growth and build additional value at acquired companies. Runtech’s technology will enable expansion into new and attractive markets. It is a great addition to the Gardner Denver family,” added Reynal.

“This is an exciting time for our customers and employees,” said Kimmo Loippo, Chairman and co-founder of Runtech. “Both companies are aligned, with an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for developing innovative customer-focused solutions,” added Loippo. Juha Karvinen, co-founder and developer of EcoFlow™ and Eco-Pump™ said, “Together our combined capabilities will further expand the technology to broader flow control, vacuum and pressure solutions for the betterment of our customers.”